Health Insurance for Expats in Singapore

Overview

Singapore has one of the best healthcare systems in the world—and one of the most expensive. Private healthcare costs are high, making comprehensive health insurance essential for expats.

Unlike UAE, Singapore doesn't mandate health insurance for most work pass holders. However, employers typically provide group coverage, and the high cost of care makes personal coverage strongly recommended.

Singapore Healthcare System

Singapore's healthcare is built on the "3M" framework: Medisave, MediShield Life, and Medifund. However, these programs are primarily for citizens and permanent residents—most expats don't have access.

Public Healthcare

Singapore's public hospitals (restructured hospitals) offer high-quality care at subsidized rates for citizens and PRs. Expats can use these facilities but pay unsubsidized rates, which are still lower than private hospitals.

• Singapore General Hospital — largest public hospital
• National University Hospital — teaching hospital
• Tan Tock Seng Hospital — major acute care hospital

Private Healthcare

Most expats use private healthcare for shorter wait times, better amenities, and choice of doctor. Major private hospitals include:

• Mount Elizabeth Hospital — premium private facility
• Raffles Hospital — popular with expats
• Gleneagles Hospital — comprehensive services
• Thomson Medical Centre — strong for maternity

Private healthcare in Singapore is expensive—among the highest in Asia. Insurance is essential.

MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plans

Singapore citizens and permanent residents have access to MediShield Life (basic catastrophic coverage) and can upgrade with Integrated Shield Plans (ISPs) from private insurers.

Expats cannot access MediShield Life or ISPs unless they become permanent residents. This means expats need private health insurance from day one.

Visa Insurance Requirements

Singapore doesn't mandate health insurance for most work pass holders, but coverage is strongly recommended due to high healthcare costs.

Employment Pass (EP)

No mandatory insurance requirement, but most employers provide group coverage. EP holders should verify:

• What your employer plan covers
• Whether it includes dependents
• Coverage limits and exclusions
• Whether you need supplemental coverage

S Pass

Similar to EP—no mandate, but employer coverage is common. S Pass holders often receive less comprehensive coverage than EP holders.

Dependant's Pass

Dependants may or may not be covered by the primary pass holder's employer plan. Personal coverage is often needed.

Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP)

No insurance requirement, but LTVP holders should have comprehensive coverage since they can't access subsidized public healthcare.

Permanent Residents (PR)

PRs have access to MediShield Life and can purchase Integrated Shield Plans. However, many PRs still choose international insurance for worldwide coverage and portability.

Recommended Plans

Here are the most popular insurance options for expats in Singapore:

Local Plans (PRs Only)

Integrated Shield Plans from insurers like AIA, Great Eastern, NTUC Income, and Prudential are only available to Singapore citizens and PRs. If you become a PR, these plans offer excellent value.

Local Plans (All Residents)

NTUC Income and AIA Singapore offer plans available to expats, though with some restrictions. These can be cost-effective but may not provide worldwide coverage.

International Plans

International insurers offer worldwide coverage, portability, and typically higher limits:

• Cigna Global — Most popular international choice, strong Singapore network
• Allianz Care — Modular plans with competitive pricing
• BUPA Global — Premium coverage with excellent mental health benefits
• Aetna International — Strong for American expats with US network access

Employer Coverage

Most Singapore employers provide group health insurance. Common issues with employer plans:

• Coverage limits may be insufficient for private hospitals
• Dependants may not be covered or have limited coverage
• Coverage ends when employment ends
• No worldwide coverage for travel

Many expats supplement employer plans or purchase personal international coverage.

Expected Costs

Singapore healthcare is expensive. Insurance costs reflect this:

Insurance Costs

• Integrated Shield Plans (PRs): S$200-600/year + Medisave
• Local private plans: S$150-300/month
• International plans: $150-400/month
• Premium international coverage: $350-700/month

Out-of-Pocket Costs (Private Hospitals)

Without insurance, Singapore private healthcare is costly:

• GP consultation: S$50-150
• Specialist visit: S$150-400
• Emergency room: S$200-500+
• Hospital stay: S$500-2,000/day (private ward)
• Surgery: S$10,000-100,000+
• Childbirth: S$10,000-25,000 (private)

Cost-Saving Strategies

• Use restructured hospitals: Unsubsidized public rates are lower than private
• Choose higher deductibles: Can reduce premiums by 20-40%
• Inpatient-only coverage: Pay routine care out of pocket
• Panel doctors: Use network providers for direct billing

Common Questions

Is health insurance mandatory in Singapore?

No, Singapore doesn't mandate health insurance for most work pass holders. However, given the high cost of healthcare, insurance is strongly recommended.

Can expats access MediShield Life?

No. MediShield Life is only for Singapore citizens and permanent residents. Expats must use private insurance.

What if my employer provides insurance?

Review your employer plan carefully. Many expats find employer coverage insufficient for private hospital stays or dependant coverage, and purchase supplemental personal plans.

Can I use public hospitals as an expat?

Yes, but you pay unsubsidized rates. Public hospitals still offer excellent care and are cheaper than private, but wait times can be longer.

How does Singapore compare to other expat destinations?

Singapore has excellent healthcare quality but high costs. Insurance premiums are generally higher than Thailand or Malaysia due to the expensive healthcare environment.

What about maternity coverage?

Maternity in Singapore is expensive (S$10,000-25,000+ for private delivery). Most international plans offer maternity as an optional add-on with waiting periods (typically 10-12 months).